“Come See Me in the Good Light” is an extraordinary documentary, ably and unobtrusively directed by Ryan White. The film’s subject, well-loved queer spoken word poet Andrea Gibson, has been given a diagnosis of incurable cancer, and with their partner, fellow poet Megan Falley, allows a film crew into their home, treatment visits, and other personal moments. The result is a tearjerker with lots of humor, warmth, and love.

Those unfamiliar with Gibson should think rockstar, rather than “poetess.” Their fierce and tender performances have wowed audiences worldwide and filled large venues. And though face to face with their own mortality, desperately wants to do at least one more show before it’s too late.

The film was produced by another brave and outspoken queer performer, Tig Notaro. “I couldn’t get started fast enough. I saw it so clearly,” Notaro said. “I was like, ‘This is going to Sundance. This movie is going to be incredible.’ … I didn’t have an exact vision, personally, other than I know in every fiber of my being that Andrea and Meg are so interesting, funny, intelligent, inspiring —“

“It’s definitely the funniest film I’ve made,” White said of the queer cancer doc. “It is heartbreaking, but it’s funny.” The cinematography is sumptuous, with warm tones when the couple is at home with their pets, and starker as we find them in medical facilities. The soundtrack is a lovely song co-written by Andrea Gibson, Brandi Carlile, and Sara Bareilles, “Salt, then Sour, then Sweet.”

Having seen this at a sold-out screening at the Provincetown International Film Festival (where it won the Audience Award for Best Doc)  I can testify to its emotional impact. This was a perfect example of the festival’s underlying theme this year…the value of shared viewing, the urgent need to keep cinema and theaters alive. And the audience here breathed as one. We laughed together, shed tears together, and stood applauding at the end.

Just before the ending, Gibson gets a very bad report on her “numbers”: they have soared, and the cancer is rapidly metastasizing. And following our standing ovation, the room grew quiet again, and I could feel our collective anxiety about the future. “Is Gibson even still alive?” I found myself wondering. And then the screen lit up again with a live feed featuring Andrea and Meg, checking in as if to reassure us. I don’t know whether this was done at other festivals, but for me it was a peak moment at a festival I’ve been attending for decades.

Long live the cinema! And now, ironically, I will tell you that “Come See Me in the Good Light” will be streaming on Apple TV this fall. Don’t miss it!

Ten Stars